Monika Stajniak: 2023 candidate for Elk Grove Village Board

Bio

Town: Elk Grove Village

Age on Election Day: 44

Occupation: Outreach Program manager

Employer: Northwest Compass

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council or village board respond to it?

A: As a trustee of the Village of Elk Grove, my strategies would acknowledge the irrefutable role held within our community by the Business Park while maintaining focus on the residents. The last few years held many concerns regarding job security which in turn, led to worries about housing security. It's crucial for residents to feel secure in their residency within Elk Grove Village. This is evident, when looking at property taxes which have not increased for nearly two decades. Moving forward, we as a village need to place the same concern to ensure manageable rental costs.

Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?

A: As a resident of the Village of Elk Grove for over a decade, I have seen that the budget has been dependable for years. By being proactive moving forward, we can maintain economic growth while also being aware of the needs of the taxpayers. The past few years placed a strain on a majority of families following the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic. I will ensure that the budget not only focuses on the current year but also prepares the village to be best equipped in the future to support its residents in a time of great disruption. Growth within the Business Park is crucial to accelerate Elk Grove's economic standing and the budget needs to continue to reflect that. Additionally, I will ensure that focus will be placed on increasing the number of collaborations between small and large businesses. This would encourage an increase in small businesses, specifically some owned by Elk Grove residents which will keep the revenue circulating within our village.

Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?

A: Spending is most effective when it benefits the village as much as it does the residents. Infrastructure is one area that can achieve that. The improvement done to the roads allows drivers to travel worry-free about the well-being of their car. Over the next four years, continuing to allocate money to improving the roads will be imperative. I believe it's also important to increase the number of bike paths within our village to improve the safety of our many avid bikers and encourage environmentally sound transportation options. Over the next four years, priority needs to be placed on increasing the number of family-owned small businesses within residential areas as well as community engagement. We can achieve this by developing thriving cultural centers to celebrate and create space for the diversity within our village. And finally, it will be most important to speak to the community and find out what their priorities are. Because our priorities should reflect theirs.

Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?

A: Being a community resident I do not have a full picture and details of the village budget; however, I would be eager to meet with the business manager to review the budget in detail before suggesting any potential cuts to the budget.

From my background I do see a need to maintain a strong mental health presence for our community. As we have continue with recovery from the pandemic we need to continue support of our social services, which includes our police department and the social workers serving the community. There is also a need to provide support to the children in our community as the schools work to address the loss of educational opportunities and increase academic performance. I would like to have an opportunity to learn more about Elk Grove Village TIF Districts and the impact and benefits that they have for our community before making any recommendation to curtail spending. Review of the priority of future expenses and expected income would also be reviewed.

Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

A: I see that the most important infrastructure project is the one that our town has been focused on for a while, which is improving the condition of the roads. As many wonderful improvements have been made, I believe that making it more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.

A: My experience working in a group setting is collaborative, community focused, engaging and inclusive. As a working mom of two kids and a decade long resident of Elk Grove Village. I realize the importance of being a good citizen and neighbor. I am always striving for ways to improve my community and making it better for everyone around me.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: I will always bring new and innovative ideas to the table. I will always reach across the table to other village members and work to find a solution, that is always in the best interest of our residents. The last eight years I've spent in volunteering, running a community organization that is 100% volunteer-based, working with local schools and churches, running workshops focused on empathy and making the difference for the most vulnerable. If you ask anyone that knows Monika, they would say I am focused on meeting people where they are, and always listen to their voice. People matter and should feel heard.

Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

A: What I love most about Elk Grove Village is it's growing diversity and how its residences are always working together. We are diverse, strong, and inclusive and we are stronger together. As I've mentioned earlier, listening to the voice of our residents is extremely important for me. I strongly believe that is where the best ideas come from. The CARES program in our village, works to improve the lives of our most vulnerable residences. I would like to expand the services that are currently being offered, so they reach even more people that are challenged in their every day lives.

By offering ways for the senior residents to mentor our youth by providing a space for all people to engage and work together for the greater good of the community.